NHL Division Outlook: Central
Minnesota Wild
Feb 6, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward
Nino Niederreiter(22) celebrates with teammates against the Nashville Predators at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Predators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota has never been known as a high-scoring team, even when Marian Gaborik was around. They’re the only Western Conference playoff team to have conceded more goals than they’ve scored this season (145 GF, 147 GA), yet they’ve found ways to win.
Though injuries have caused him to miss 15 games, Zach Parise needs to continue with the touch that has made him a five-time 30-goal scorer if the Wild hope to remain competitive. However, he should get a few more opportunities with captain Mikko Koivu‘s imminent return to the Minnesota lineup after missing two months with a broken ankle.
They’ll take all the offence they can get, as Jason Pominville is their leading scorer with 40 points in 59 games.
A bigger concern may be looming in net, though, depending on Josh Harding‘s status as he continues his fight with multiple sclerosis. When healthy, Harding has been far and away Minnesota’s best option in net this season, but the question remains as to whether Minnesota is willing to wait for Harding to recover sufficiently to help on a playoff run.
Western Conference Standing: 6th
Division: 4th
Record in Last 10 Games: 6-2-2
Top Scorers
- Jason Pominville (59 GP, 22-18-40)
- Zach Parise (44 GP, 19-17-36)
- Mikko Koivu (44 GP, 8-27-35)
Top Goaltender: Josh Harding (29 GP, 18-7-3, 1.65 GAA, .933 SV%, 3 SO)